PORTLAND, Ore. — In a dramatic turn of events, Brian Keith Kapileo Nepaial, 38, from Aloha, Oregon, faces federal charges for aiming a laser at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
On October 3, 2025, the CBP helicopter was forced to abort a landing after being struck by a green laser. The flight crew reported seeing an individual near a residence before their sudden disappearance. It wasn’t until October 10, when FBI agents executed a federal search warrant at this location, that Kapileo Nepaial and his illegal activities were uncovered.
Agents seized a powerful laser from the bedroom of Kapileo Nepaial and discovered over 100 grams of methamphetamine along with clear evidence of drug trafficking operations. The residence was connected to a series of federal crimes linked to the ICE building, including assaults on federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.
Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, emphasized the gravity of the crime: “Laser strikes are a serious matter with potentially deadly repercussions. They put the lives of pilots and the public at risk.” Kapileo Nepaial is currently in Washington County custody on a parole violation.
The severity of his actions isn’t lost on officials who have seen an uptick in laser incidents. Aiming a laser pointer is punishable by up to five years in federal prison, while possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute could land him behind bars for up to 40 years. This case is a testament to the FBI’s and U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to justice.
While a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and Kapileo Nepaial is presumed innocent until proven guilty, his fate now lies in the hands of the courts. The investigation into this case continues as law enforcement works tirelessly to protect our communities.
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Key Facts
- State: Oregon
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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